Five things to watch: Seahawks at Texans

September 27, 2013

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

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5. The 'Legion of Boom' versus Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins
The suffocating thing about Seattle's defense is that it hits opposing teams with a one-two punch. There's the pass-rush that closes the pocket on the quarterback, and at the same time there's the secondary that shuts down receivers. The star of that secondary, nicknamed the "Legion of Boom," is cornerback Richard Sherman (pictured). Unlike when he matched up with 49ers star Anquan Boldin (and held him to one catch for seven yards), Sherman on Sunday will likely stick to his own side, splitting time covering Johnson with fellow starting corner Brandon Browner. Johnson has 258 yards on 25 receptions so far this year, but was knocked out early from last week's Texans-Ravens game with a bruised shin. Johnson, however, is expected to play against Seattle.
"We think (Johnson) is going to be out there, and we need to do some stuff to make sure we know where he is at all times," Carroll said Wednesday. "They really rely on him. And they have other good players, too. Owen Daniels is really good, and DeAndre Hopkins is doing a good job. So they have good players to go to, but (Johnson) is just their favorite so we need to acknowledge that."
Tight end Daniels has 120 yards on 12 receptions this year, and Hopkins is averaging more yards per catch this season than Johnson, with 243 receiving yards and a touchdown on 18 receptions. Hopkins may have to cover for Johnson as Houston's main deep threat. Seattle also has great depth at cornerback in backups Walter Thurmond and Jeremy Lane. Starting safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas will also be prowling for picks.

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

7of10

5. The 'Legion of Boom' versus Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins
The suffocating thing about Seattle's defense is that it hits opposing teams with a one-two punch. There's the pass-rush that closes the pocket on the quarterback, and at the same time there's the secondary that shuts down receivers. The star of that secondary, nicknamed the "Legion of Boom," is cornerback Richard Sherman (pictured). Unlike when he matched up with 49ers star Anquan Boldin (and held him to one catch for seven yards), Sherman on Sunday will likely stick to his own side, splitting time covering Johnson with fellow starting corner Brandon Browner. Johnson has 258 yards on 25 receptions so far this year, but was knocked out early from last week's Texans-Ravens game with a bruised shin. Johnson, however, is expected to play against Seattle.
"We think (Johnson) is going to be out there, and we need to do some stuff to make sure we know where he is at all times," Carroll said Wednesday. "They really rely on him. And they have other good players, too. Owen Daniels is really good, and DeAndre Hopkins is doing a good job. So they have good players to go to, but (Johnson) is just their favorite so we need to acknowledge that."
Tight end Daniels has 120 yards on 12 receptions this year, and Hopkins is averaging more yards per catch this season than Johnson, with 243 receiving yards and a touchdown on 18 receptions. Hopkins may have to cover for Johnson as Houston's main deep threat. Seattle also has great depth at cornerback in backups Walter Thurmond and Jeremy Lane. Starting safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas will also be prowling for picks.